Ferrari is the easiest and therefore the most popular route to Alpamayo. It crosses the bergschrund near its uppermost part and follows the runnels to the ridge.
Most times snow stakes for belaying and abseiling are in situ. When the route is prepared for commercial expeditions you may even find a fixed rope.
The runnels are quite narrow, therefore it's impossible to avoid the ice-fall caused by other climbers. This can be a serious problem, when there are too many climbers in the route (except you are the first)

NB: After the July-2003-icefall the conditions in Ferrari Route seem to have changed. See summit log

Approach

From the Col camp you first have to descend about 50m and then continuosly ascend the slopes under the SW-face. The climb starts right of the uppermost section of the bergschrund. 1½ - 2h from the camp.

Route Description

Cross the bergschrund (varying conditions, approx. 70°, 10m) and head up to a prominent rock in the centre of the SW face. Follow the runnel to the snow ridge. As the ridge is constantly changing, you can't be sure, that you exactly reach the highest point of the mountain, but it would be too dangerous to traverse. 8-9 pitches, 4-5h

Except for the bergschrund the route has a moderate inclination of 45°, getting steeper only in the last pitch (55°). The ice is not very compact and partially mixed with hard snow.

Essential Gear

Two ropes, two ice axes, crampons, helmet!
Usually you find snow stakes in the route but I would recommed to take ice screws and snow stakes (2 per climber) with you. It's possible to buy and sell them later in Huaraz.

You do not have sun in the route until noon, so be prepared for a cold day!